The Sunder gene was oriinally discovered by Nick Bottini (Cold-blooded Earth) after seeing his results from breeding a pair of Goldeneyes with “unusual” busy patterns back in 2021. Sunder, is an incompletely dominant mutation, initially described as a pattern breaker gene, as the name suggests: “Sunder”—to break into pieces.
We were fortunate to incorporate the Sunder gene into our breeding program early on, adding a male Super-Sunder Electristatic, a Matrix-Sunder female, and one of the first available “Pure” Sunder Blood Pythons produced by Nick. This allowed us to learn more about how this gene develops on its own and how it interacts with other mutations. In recent years we learned that the Sunder combos can go in two different directions: it can either break down the pattern or it can organize it to create defined dorsal stripes. It all depends on what it is mixed with. In combination with the Goldeneye gene, the patterns appear to be chaotic and busy (as originally described), but if Sunder is mixed with other genes, like Matrix, Batik, Druid, or Wrought Iron, the opposite effect occurs, and their patterns become more striped and "organized".
As we explore the Sunder gene and its interactions with other mutations, I feel it is important to acknowledge that this morph, although recently described, has been present in blood python collections for years, going unnoticed by many keepers. In recent years, more of these “interesting or odd-looking clutches” have been appearing, and some of these have Sunder markers. The photo gallery below can be used as a visual reference for comparison purposes and to help with phenotype identification.
In its heterozygous (single gene) form, Sunder has an atypical dorsal pattern, with swirls and irregular contortions that can extend and connect to the lateral pattern. Some also have a unique, patternless head stamp with a dark, grayish tone when mature.
When combined with other mutations, the pattern changes as previously described. With the exception of Goldeneye Sunder combinations, most other combinations display a more organized striped pattern. Some Sunder combos only display striping on the neck or first third of the body, while others have broken dorsal stripes or even full stripes running down their entire body
Super Sunders, on the other hand, are quite the opposite. Their pattern is not uniform, although a linear arrangement can be observed; instead, it is subtle yet busy and fragmented. In some cases, the pattern appears reduced, with smaller markings distributed throughout the body. This, in my view, makes them a bit harder to identify.
As we continue to learn more about these amazing snakes, we will share our observations in the hope of helping you identify key characteristics of the morph.
